Ilias Kasidiaris was released from prison on Tuesday after completing the sentence imposed on him in the criminal organisation case involving the far-right Golden Dawn party, and immediately signalled plans to return to political life.
Kasidiaris left Domokos Prison shortly after noon, days before the 13th anniversary of the murder of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas.
Supporters gathered outside the prison welcomed him with applause and chants.
In his first remarks after his release, Kasidiaris set out a clear political message, effectively confirming his intention to re-enter frontline politics.
He said he had pledged that upon leaving prison he would return "to the front line of national struggles" and spoke of creating or supporting a new "strong national party".
He also criticised the Greek government and argued that the final judgment on his political future should rest with voters.
Appeal planned
His lawyer, Vasso Pantazi, told reporters outside Domokos Prison that the defence intends to appeal to Greece's Supreme Court against the final conviction, arguing that the ruling contains legal errors.
She said appeals had also been lodged with international United Nations bodies over issues which, according to the defence, concern the presumption of innocence and human rights.
Attention is now turning to Kasidiaris' political plans and the avenues available to him under Greek law.
Political future
Pantazi said that under the current legal framework Kasidiaris cannot establish a new political party or hold a founding position in a political organisation. She argued, however, that he could seek to contest elections through another existing political formation.
According to the lawyer, cooperation is being examined with a non-parliamentary political group that could also include independent lawmakers, among them figures previously associated with the Spartans party.
She ruled out any cooperation with independent politicians originating from New Democracy or with any potential political party led by former prime minister Antonis Samaras.
By contrast, she said contacts had taken place with ‘Niki’, adding that the political constituency Kasidiaris hopes to appeal to includes sections of the electorate associated with Aphrodite Latinopoulou and Kyriakos Velopoulos.
His legal team also maintains that Kasidiaris continues to wield political influence and says his next moves will focus on the conservative right and far-right political space, with the cost of living and migration expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
